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Joshua 8:10

Joshua 8:10 in Multiple Translations

Joshua got up early the next morning and mobilized his men, and he and the elders of Israel marched before them up to Ai.

And Joshua rose up early in the morning, and numbered the people, and went up, he and the elders of Israel, before the people to Ai.

And Joshua arose up early in the morning, and mustered the people, and went up, he and the elders of Israel, before the people to Ai.

And early in the morning Joshua got up, and put the people in order, and he and the chiefs of Israel went up before the people to Ai.

Early the next morning Joshua got up early and gathered the people and went up to attack Ai, accompanied by the elders of Israel.

And Ioshua rose vp early in the morning, and nombred the people: and he and the Elders of Israel went vp before the people against Ai.

And Joshua riseth early in the morning, and inspecteth the people, and goeth up, he and the elders of Israel, before the people to Ai;

Joshua rose up early in the morning, mustered the people, and went up, he and the elders of Israel, before the people to Ai.

And Joshua rose early in the morning, and numbered the people, and went up, he and the elders of Israel, before the people to Ai.

And rising early in the morning, he mustered his soldiers, and went up with the ancients in the front of the army environed with the aid of the fighting men.

Early the next morning, Joshua gathered his soldiers together. Then he and the other Israeli leaders led them up to Ai.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 8:10

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Joshua 8:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יַּשְׁכֵּ֤ם יְהוֹשֻׁ֨עַ֙ בַּ/בֹּ֔קֶר וַ/יִּפְקֹ֖ד אֶת הָ/עָ֑ם וַ/יַּ֨עַל ה֜וּא וְ/זִקְנֵ֧י יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל לִ/פְנֵ֥י הָ/עָ֖ם הָ/עָֽי
וַ/יַּשְׁכֵּ֤ם shâkam H7925 to rise Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוֹשֻׁ֨עַ֙ Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ H3091 Joshua N-proper
בַּ/בֹּ֔קֶר bôqer H1242 morning Prep | N-ms
וַ/יִּפְקֹ֖ד pâqad H6485 to reckon Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
הָ/עָ֑ם ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms
וַ/יַּ֨עַל ʻâlâh H5927 to ascend Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
ה֜וּא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Pron
וְ/זִקְנֵ֧י zâqên H2205 old Conj | Adj
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper
לִ/פְנֵ֥י pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp
הָ/עָ֖ם ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms
הָ/עָֽי ʻAy H5857 Ai Art | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 8:10

וַ/יַּשְׁכֵּ֤ם shâkam H7925 "to rise" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to rise or start early, like loading up a burden. It is used in Genesis to describe early morning activities.
Definition: 1) to rise or start early 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to rise early, make an early start 1a2) early (as adverb)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: (arise, be up, get (oneself) up, rise up) early (betimes), morning. See also: Genesis 19:2; 1 Samuel 15:12; Psalms 127:2.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֨עַ֙ Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ H3091 "Joshua" N-proper
Joshua was a leader in the Bible, first mentioned in Ezra 2:2, who helped the Israelites return from exile. His name means Jehovah is salvation, and he is also known as Jeshua in some parts of the Bible. He was a key figure in the conquest of Canaan.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.2.2; son of: Jehozadak (H3087); father of: Joiakim (H3113); also called Jeshua at Ezr.2.2; 3.2,8; 4.3; 5.2; 1x12.1,7,10,26; § Joshua or Jehoshua = "Jehovah is salvation" 1) son of Nun of the tribe of Ephraim and successor to Moses as the leader of the children of Israel; led the conquest of Canaan 2) a resident of Beth-shemesh on whose land the Ark of the Covenant came to a stop after the Philistines returned it 3) son of Jehozadak and high priest after the restoration 4) governor of Jerusalem under king Josiah who gave his name to a gate of the city of Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: Jehoshua, Jehoshuah, Joshua. Compare H1954 (הוֹשֵׁעַ), H3442 (יֵשׁוּעַ). See also: Exodus 17:9; Joshua 9:15; Zechariah 6:11.
בַּ/בֹּ֔קֶר bôqer H1242 "morning" Prep | N-ms
The break of day or morning, a time of new beginnings, as in the morning sacrifices in Exodus 29:39 or the resurrection of Jesus on the first day of the week in John 20:1.
Definition: 1) morning, break of day 1a) morning 1a1) of end of night 1a2) of coming of daylight 1a3) of coming of sunrise 1a4) of beginning of day 1a5) of bright joy after night of distress (fig.) 1b) morrow, next day, next morning
Usage: Occurs in 189 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase]) day, early, morning, morrow. See also: Genesis 1:5; 1 Samuel 11:11; Psalms 5:4.
וַ/יִּפְקֹ֖ד pâqad H6485 "to reckon" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This word means to visit or oversee, and can imply a range of actions, from friendly to hostile. It is used in various contexts, including appointing, avenging, or delivering something into someone's care. The KJV translates it in many ways, including appoint, avenge, or commit.
Definition: : list/count 1) to attend to, muster, number, reckon, visit, punish, appoint, look after, care for 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pay attention to, observe 1a2) to attend to 1a3) to seek, look about for 1a4) to seek in vain, need, miss, lack 1a5) to visit 1a6) to visit upon, punish 1a7) to pass in review, muster, number 1a8) to appoint, assign, lay upon as a charge, deposit 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be sought, be needed, be missed, be lacking 1b2) to be visited 1b3) to be visited upon 1b4) to be appointed 1b5) to be watched over 1c) (Piel) to muster, call up 1d) (Pual) to be passed in review, be caused to miss, be called, be called to account 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to set over, make overseer, appoint an overseer 1e2) to commit, entrust, commit for care, deposit 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be visited 1f2) to be deposited 1f3) to be made overseer, be entrusted 1g) (Hithpael) numbered 1h) (Hothpael) numbered
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: appoint, [idiom] at all, avenge, bestow, (appoint to have the, give a) charge, commit, count, deliver to keep, be empty, enjoin, go see, hurt, do judgment, lack, lay up, look, make, [idiom] by any means, miss, number, officer, (make) overseer, have (the) oversight, punish, reckon, (call to) remember(-brance), set (over), sum, [idiom] surely, visit, want. See also: Genesis 21:1; Numbers 26:47; Psalms 8:5.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָ/עָ֑ם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
וַ/יַּ֨עַל ʻâlâh H5927 "to ascend" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
ה֜וּא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
וְ/זִקְנֵ֧י zâqên H2205 "old" Conj | Adj
This Hebrew word means old or elderly, as in the case of the elderly men who appeared to Abraham in Genesis 18:11. It can also refer to those in positions of authority, like the elders who helped Moses in Exodus 24:1. The term is used to describe respect and leadership.
Definition: : old 1) old 1a) old (of humans) 1b) elder (of those having authority) Also means: za.qen (זָקֵן ": elder" H2205)
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: aged, ancient (man), elder(-est), old (man, men and...women), senator. See also: Genesis 18:11; 1 Samuel 28:14; Psalms 105:22.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
לִ/פְנֵ֥י pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
הָ/עָ֖ם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
הָ/עָֽי ʻAy H5857 "Ai" Art | N-proper
Ai means 'heap of ruins', a city in Palestine east of the Jordan River, mentioned in the Bible as part of the Ammonites' territory. It appears in the book of Joshua and is associated with Heshbon. The city's name reflects its history of destruction.
Definition: § Ai or Aija or Aiath or Hai = "heap of ruins" a city of the Ammonites on the east of the Jordan and apparently attached to Heshbon
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: Ai, Aija, Aijath, Hai. See also: Genesis 12:8; Joshua 8:20; Isaiah 10:28.

Study Notes — Joshua 8:10

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Joshua 6:12 Joshua got up early the next morning, and the priests took the ark of the LORD.
2 Psalms 119:60 I hurried without hesitating to keep Your commandments.
3 Genesis 22:3 So Abraham got up early the next morning, saddled his donkey, and took along two of his servants and his son Isaac. He split the wood for a burnt offering and set out for the place God had designated.
4 Joshua 3:1 Early the next morning Joshua got up and left Shittim with all the Israelites. They went as far as the Jordan, where they camped before crossing over.
5 Joshua 7:16 So Joshua arose early the next morning and had Israel come forward tribe by tribe, and the tribe of Judah was selected.

Joshua 8:10 Summary

[Joshua 8:10 shows us that Joshua was a man of action who trusted in God's plan, and he got up early to mobilize his men to take the city of Ai. This verse teaches us about the importance of trusting in God's plan and being obedient to His commands, just like it is written in Jeremiah 29:11 that God has a plan to prosper us. By trusting in God's plan, we can have confidence to take bold action, just like Joshua did. As it is written in Psalm 37:3-5, we should trust in the Lord, do good, and dwell in the land, and He will give us the desires of our heart.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Joshua get up early in the morning to mobilize his men?

Joshua got up early to mobilize his men as an act of obedience to God's command and to show his trust in God's plan, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:18 where it is written that God gives us the ability to produce wealth, and also in Proverbs 3:5-6, which instructs us to trust in the Lord with all our heart.

What role did the elders of Israel play in this event?

The elders of Israel marched with Joshua to Ai, symbolizing their unity and support for Joshua's leadership, much like Moses' leadership in Exodus 18:13-27 where Jethro advised Moses to select capable men to help him lead the people.

How does Joshua 8:10 relate to the overall conquest of Canaan?

Joshua 8:10 is a pivotal moment in the conquest of Canaan as it demonstrates Joshua's leadership and the Israelites' trust in God's plan, ultimately fulfilling God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:7 and to the Israelites in Exodus 6:4.

What can we learn from Joshua's actions in this verse?

We can learn the importance of trusting in God's plan, being obedient to His commands, and demonstrating leadership with humility, as seen in Joshua's actions and also in the life of Jesus Christ, who humbled Himself and became obedient to God's will in Philippians 2:5-8.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can I, like Joshua, demonstrate my trust in God's plan for my life by taking bold action?
  2. What are some areas in my life where I need to be more obedient to God's commands, and how can I take steps to be more obedient?
  3. How can I, as a leader or follower, demonstrate humility and unity with others, just like Joshua and the elders of Israel?
  4. What are some ways I can apply the principles of leadership and trust seen in Joshua 8:10 to my everyday life, and how can I share these principles with others?

Gill's Exposition on Joshua 8:10

And Joshua rose up early in the morning, and numbered the people,.... To see if there were any wanting, and to put them in proper order for their march: and went up, he and the elders of Israel,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 8:10

And Joshua rose up early in the morning, and numbered the people, and went up, he and the elders of Israel, before the people to Ai.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 8:10

The people, Heb. that people, not all the people of Israel, which was needless, and required more time than could now be spared; but the rest of that host of thirty thousand, whereof five thousand were sent away; and now the remainder are numbered, partly to see whether some of them had not withdrawn themselves, taking the advantage of the night, and of the design of laying an ambush; and partly that it might be evident that this work was done without any loss of men, and thereby they might be encouraged to trust in God, and to proceed vigorously and resolutely in their work. The elders of Israel; either, 1. The military elders, the chief commanders of his army. But they seem to be included in the thirty thousand, , which are supposed to be furnished and led by their several commanders; and such persons are scarce ever called the elders of Israel. Or rather, 2. The chief magistrates and rulers of Israel under Joshua, who are commonly so called; and these, I suppose, went with Joshua, and with the army, to take care that the cattle and the spoil of the city, which was given by God to all Israel for a prey, ,27, might be justly and equally divided between those that went to battle, and the rest of the people, according to the example and prescript, ; and that they who were present and assistant in the taking of that city, might not engross the whole to themselves, as is usual for soldiers in those cases to do.

Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 8:10

Joshua 8:10 And Joshua rose up early in the morning, and numbered the people, and went up, he and the elders of Israel, before the people to Ai.Ver. 10. And Joshua rose up early in the morning.] He is much noted for his early rising: his vigilancy being equal to his valour.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 8:10

Verse 10. Numbered the people] ויפקד את העם vaiyiphkod eth haam, he visited the people - inspected their ranks to see whether every thing was in perfect readiness, that in case they should be needed they might be led on to the attack. There is no doubt that Joshua had left the rest of the army so disposed and ready, part of it having probably advanced towards Ai, that he might easily receive reinforcements in case of any disaster to the thirty thousand which had advanced against the city; and this consideration will serve to remove a part of the difficulty which arises from Joshua 8:1; Joshua 8:3; Joshua 8:10, collated with other parts of this chapter. Had he brought all his troops in sight, the people of Ai would not have attempted to risk a battle, and would consequently have kept within their walls, from which it was the object of Joshua to decoy them. See the preceding observations, particularly 10, 11, and 12 (Joshua 8:10-12).

Cambridge Bible on Joshua 8:10

10. numbered the people] Rather, mustered or arrayed them. The day after the despatch of the ambush would be naturally occupied with the marshalling of the army, and the march from Gilgal to Ai, where they would arrive in the evening.

Barnes' Notes on Joshua 8:10

Numbered the people - Rather, perhaps, “mustered” or “arrayed” them for their march. The distance from the camp at Gilgal to Ai is about fifteen miles.

Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 8:10

10. And Joshua rose up early — This must be regarded as a repetition of Jos 8:3, after the custom of oriental historians. Numbered the people — Reviewed the troops (thirty thousand) with whom he intended to capture Ai.

Sermons on Joshua 8:10

SermonDescription
A.W. Tozer Sacrifice Is No Substitute for Obedience by A.W. Tozer A.W. Tozer emphasizes that true obedience to God is far more important than the intensity of our prayers or emotional displays. He points out that many of us may fervently pray whi
St. Benedict of Nursia At the Hour for the Divine Office by St. Benedict of Nursia St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of promptly and reverently attending the Divine Office, instructing that nothing should take precedence over this sacred work. He o
Mary Wilder Tileston The Test of Love by Mary Wilder Tileston Mary Wilder Tileston emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commandments, highlighting that regardless of our feelings or enjoyment, we are called to obey God's will for H
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 22:3-10 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Abraham and his willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac as a test of his faith. The preacher highlights the four major crises th
David Adams Visions of God - Part 4 by David Adams In this sermon, the speaker recounts a visit to a president where he was asked to speak for three hours. Unsure of what to talk about for such a long time, he decides to discuss th
John Follette Arise, Let Us Go Hence by John Follette In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the social element present in the concept of God. He highlights the idea of unity and cooperation in the creation of man, emphasizing that i
Shane Idleman When God Speaks: Discerning the Voice of God Part 2 by Shane Idleman Shane Idleman emphasizes the critical need to discern the voice of God amidst the many distractions and competing voices in our lives. He highlights that true clarity comes from pr

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